ZSP also supports several pre-school organisations run by volunteer teachers and parents.
In 2017 and 2018 I was commissioned by the Zanzibar Schools Project (ZSP) to photograph their work in various rural schools on the island. This picture was taken in the Unguja Ukuu village school when enthusiastic students were registering for the ZSP's free after-school English and life-skills classes.
ZSP gives students a free meal before classes begin, cooked by the headmaster’s wife, to help them maintain their energy levels and ability to concentrate. Most will have eaten little since the previous night as their poverty-stricken families can only afford to feed their children once per day.
Teachers in rural schools are poorly trained and underpaid and many have to take second jobs to make ends meet. This is their staff room.
Students at Unguja Ukuu junior school, Zanzibar.
In addition to its work at the Unguja Ukuu primary school, ZSP helps with fundraising for the new English language nursery school set up in the village by two local teachers.
Never seen a burkini before, Unguja Ukuu village, Zanzibar
A day at the beach with ZSP-provided ‘burkinis’ for the girls.
Children at Unguja Ukuu nursery school, Zanzibar.
Junior school student, Zanzibar.
Welcome.
After dark, Stone Town’s poor street lighting and absence of people can feel a bit threatening, but the city is actually very safe.
This backstreets bakery uses a single wood-fired oven to produce a constant supply of brick-shaped white loaves for delivery to local shops and markets.
Display counter.
Stone Town is served by a large meat market. From numerous small abbatoirs on the outskirts of town, freshly slaughtered beef and lamb is delivered early each day.
There are many backsteet studios in Stone Town where local artists create artwork for tourists.
View across Stone Town.
Guests must leave their showes at the door.
Commissioned by sultan Barghash bin Said in the late 19th century, Hamamni Persian Baths once served the wealthy locals, both men and women. Although they no longer operate, the baths are open to visitors.
Dowh fishing boat, Zanzibar.